LIBRARY OF CONGRE: 



027 211 252 ( 



OUR FLAG 



ITS HISTORY AND 
WHAT IT STANDS FOR 




By ELIZABETH M. BOWRON 



(MRS. HENRY S.) 









iUBRARYof ' CONFESS 

j \ wo Copies HkCw .-.-.. 

APK 14 1908 

yoyyngf«i entry 
->* Co df 






/' V 



COPRIGHT 1908 
BY 

Elizabeth M. Bowron 



DEDICATED TO 

Jfflr*. Bonalb ffltHtan 

President-General of the National Society, 
Daughters of the American Revolution 



Contents! 



DEDICATION . . . . .11 
ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE AMERI- 
CAN FLAG . . . .13 

Pine Tree Shilling . . . , 16 

New England Colors . . . .16 

Merchant Flag of the Colonies . . 17 

Flag With Sphere . . . .17 

The Taunton Flag . . . . 18 

Bedford Militia . . . . .18 

New York Merchant Flag ... 20 

White Plains Militia . . . .20 

Cavalry Flag of White Plains ... 20 

Markoe Banner . . . . .21 

Flag of Morgan's Rifle Corps . . . 21 

Rhode Island . . . . .22 

Culpeper Flag .... 22 

South Carolina Palmetto . . .22 

Col. Moultrie's Flag .... 23 

Serpent Flag . . . . .24 

New England Pine Tree ... 24 

Liberty Tree Flag . . . .25 

Flag of the Continental Navy ... 25 

The Rattlesnake Flag . . . .25 



[8] 



New England Flag .... 27 

Pine Tree Naval Flag . . . .28 

Cambridge Flag .... 29 

Banner of the Washington Life Guards . . 30 

First American Flag .... 33 

Flag Sent by D. A. R. . . . 38 

Flag of Seventh Regiment ... 39 

First Flag of American Expansion . . .40 

Flag of the Chesapeake ... 43 

Flag of March 24th, 1818 . . .43 

The Revenue Flag .... 44 

Sewing the Forty-sixth Star on the Flag . . 47 

The Cuban Flag .... 48 

Peace Flag . . . 50 

Presentation of Holland Peace Flag . . 51 

Flag of Eutaw Springs . . . .58 

Continental Memorial Hall ... 60 



OUR FLAG 



®etricatton 



In the completed work brought to-day to our Presi- 
dent-General, Mrs. Donald McLean, I wish to acknow- 
ledge first my debt to her splendid patriotism, to which, 
whatsoever there is of merit in the subject, is due, while I 
have received encouragement from President Roosevelt, 
Rear Admiral Sigsbee, Captain Hobson, Col. Philip Read, 
23rd U. S. Infantry; Dr. Roberts S. Freedman, and many 
others, without Mrs. McLean as an incentive the work 
would not have been accomplished. 

It has been peculiarly interesting to me from my 
strong and ardent belief that the History of the Flag must 
appeal to the masses and bring the reverence which is its 
due as a result. 

If the mind can vividly recall the stories ^of self-sacri- 
fice on the part of men, women and children, loyalty to 
this dearly bought treasure must result, if loyalty is given, 
honor will follow, and as a result the flag will only be 
presented where honor is due, for remember — while it is 
true, there are members of the National Society of the 
Daughters of the American Revolution, in every State of 



[12] 

the Union — the fact remains, only the descendants of 
those forming the thirteen original States, are eligible to 
membership in the Society. Be true to your inheritance, 
be loyal, be honest, to all that is good and true, if you are 
loyal you must be honest, dishonor and loyalty, or dis- 
loyalty and honor are not possible, as we look at the blue 
of the heavens above and see the thousands of bright eyes 
watching, waiting, to receive the new lives which are enter- 
ing the "Land of the Leal" may each and every one of us 
a descendant of a man or woman who aided in forming 
that mystic circle of thirteen look straight back into those 
eyes, and say "I have given my best service to the flag and 
country which gave me birth." 

In Mrs. Donald McLean, President-General of the 
Society, who has given her best to the flag and her coun- 
try, we have a standard bearer, world renowned for her 
eloquence. All honor is her due and the highest honor, 
the guardianship of the flag, is hers. To her it is brought 
to-day by a worthy messenger, called from the clouds, to 
carj*y it to the prototype of all that was noble and true in 
our great General, George Washington, on the day sacred 
to his memory. 



©rigtn anb ©ebelopment 
of tfje American jf lag 



THE BIRTH OF THE FLAG. 

"When Freedom from her mountain height 
Unfurled her standard to the air, 

She tore the azure robe of night, 
And set the stars of glory there. 

She mingled with its gorgeous dyes, 
The milky baldric of the skies, 

And striped its pure celestial white, 
With streakings of the morning light." 



BETSY ROSS SHOWING THE FLAG. 

"Flag of the free heart's only home, 

By angel hands to valor given, 
Thy stars have lit the welkin dome 

And all thy hues were born in heaven." 

— Drake. 

"Our Heaven born flag," inspired by eternal hope, 
loyal to our motto "Right makes might," on some star- 



[14] 

lit night, gazing on the eternal blue and through it to the 
morning to come, General George Washington, who is 
given credit of the design for our first flag, saw the dawn of 
freedom, then turned to a woman, who reverently made 
and placed in the hands of men our "Ensign of Liberty." 
The need of the hour and time inspired each change, mak- 
ing in its growth a thing of beauty, To-day, as then, a 
masterpiece, teaching us unselfishness, devotion to the wel- 
fare of others, lofty ideals and sacrifice of self, if need be. 

EAGLE WITH FLAG. 

Its guardian; the Washington Eagle has been the 
emblem of the United States since 1785. It was so named 
by Audubon, the naturalist, because Washington was as 
brave as an eagle and, like it, the terror of his enemies. 

"Oh! That Eagle of Freedom! Age dims not his eye; 
He has seen Earth's mortality spring, bloom and die; 
He has seen the strong nations rise, flourish and fall; 
He mocks at Time's changes, he triumphs o'er all; 
He has seen our own land with wild forests o'erspread, 
He sees it with joy and sunshine on its head. 



[15] 

And his presence will bless, this his own chosen clime, 
Til the Archangel's fiat is set upon time." 

— Unknown. 

MAYFLOWER UNDER SAIL WITH PENNANT 

That this story may be rightly understood, in mem- 
ory go back to the shores of Massachusetts — looking sea- 
ward there is the Mayflower, her pennant flying as she ap- 
proaches her haven of rest, November 9th, 1620, after a 
boisterous voyage of 63 days. From the Harbor of Cape 
Cod, the shallop was sent out to find a more hospitable 
place of landing. After many hardships, on Monday, the 
21st of December, the exploring party of the forefathers 
landed at Plymouth. 

LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS.' 

History states "the landing was made under the pro- 
tection of the King's colors," — that protection, which in 
a few years became the yoke of bondage. The colors of 
James First were tho'se under which Jamestown was 
settled in 1607. 



[i6] 

MEMORIAL OF THE LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS. 

(Stained Glass Window). 

The site of this landing place of the first English- 
speaking settlement to REALLY colonize this country is 
marked with a memorial. From this time new colonies 
were heard of, and in 1643 the Confederation of New 
England Colonies formed. In 1652 Jamestown surrend- 
ered to the Commissioners of the Commonwealth. This 
same year a mint was established and the "Pine Tree" was 
first heard of as the emblem of Massachusetts. 

PINE TREE SHILLING. 

The "Pine Tree Shilling" is best known, though other 
coins were used. The mint continued in operation until 
1684. 

NEW ENGLAND COLORS. 

In 1686 "New England Colors" are mentioned; they 
were used under Sir Edmund Andros; the field was white 
with the Cross of St. George, a Crown in the center of the 
Cross, with "J. R.," Jacobus Rex. 



[ 17 1 

MERCHANT FLAG OF THE COLONIES (1709). 

The Merchant Flag of the Colonies (1709) showed a 
blue ground with Cross of St. George and St. Andrew. 
One peculiarity noticed is a shield in the centre of the 
crosses. 

Special devices and designs in the form of banners 
were often in evidence, but the first distinctive flag was 
the flag with a sphere in the union. The field was red, the 
union the flag of 1686 — with a sphere in the upper corner 
next the staff. 



FLAG WITH SPHERE (1735). 

It was used as early as 1735. While the colonists 
were gathering under standards, restlessness — the outcome 
of oppression — was increasing, and finally resulted in the 
burning of a British armed schooner in 1772. 

BURNING OF THE GASPEE. 

She was called the Gaspee, and appeared in Narra- 
gansett Bay in March, her duty being to prevent infraction 



[i8] 

of revenue laws. She interfered with the free navigation 
of the bay, and the exasperated people, hearing the Gaspee 
was aground on Nanquitmon (afterwards Gaspee Point), 
on the 9th of June, 1772, under the general command of 
Captain Whipple, after a skirmish, set fire to "her, and at 
dawn she blew up. 

THE TAUNTON FLAG. 

In 1774 Massachusetts began the struggle for liberty, 
and a flag was used known as the "Taunton Liberty 
Flag." It had a red field with the words "Liberty and 
Union." The union was the flag of 1709. 

To Lexington (April 19th, 1775) is an easy transition 
if one recalls the various methods in which the different 
colonies expressed openly by symbol and in speech the 
desire to rule their own destinies. 

BEDFORD MILITIA (Concord Flag). 

So we follow the Concord flag— white ground, show- 
ing arm with hand holding dagger— carried by the Bedford 
militia across the bridge, and remember on that day, April 



[i9] 

19th, 1775, the life of the first British soldier (sent by the 
mother country to oppress a people claiming freedom as 
a right) was sacrificed, and the first step towards the 
"union" which gave birth to our flag was taken. 

MINUTE MEN (Lexington). 

As these "farmer soldiers" followed their flag that 
day the British drum and fife cheered them on with "Yan- 
kee Doodle." The New York Journal, October 13th, 
1768, speaks of it as a British air, which was often played 
just outside the church doors in Boston. After Lexington 
the tune was adopted by the Americans as their own. It 
had been the prelude. It became also the postlude of the 
Revolution and fulfilled the claim to the translation from 
the Greek, "iankle doule" — "let the enslaved rejoice." 
This one of many claims of origin made by the Greek 
scholar Athenaeus, seems the most appropriate . 

Before proceeding with the history of the flag, it may 
be interesting to note some of the different standards or 
flags adopted by the colonies or states, and carried by the 
regiments or on vessels before a National Flag was estab- 
lished. 



[20] 

NEW YORK MERCHANT FLAG. 

The ships sailing from New York in 1775 and 1776 
displayed a flag, a beaver, the seal of New Netherlands, 
on a white field. 

WHITE PLAINS MILITIA. 

The White Plains Militia, New York, carried a flag. 
The red and white stripes were part of the New Nether- 
lands flag. The union, the English flag of 1686. 

CAVALRY FLAG OF WHITE PLAINS. 

The flag of the White Plains Cavalry bore the usual 
motto, "Liberty or Death." The "Liberty Cap," adopted 
from the British, was blue with a white border or bottom. 
It originated with the Romans, who placed it on the heads 
of slaves to show they were freed. 

COURT HOUSE AT WHITE PLAINS. 

In front of the Court House, at White Plains, New 
York, was read the Declaration of Independence, July 9, 
1776, which made New York a State. It is called the 
"Birthplace of New York State." 



I 21 ] 

The Court House was afterward destroyed by fire, 
but the site may soon be suitably marked with some of 
the original stone. 

MARKOE BANNER (Perm.). 

"The Markoe Banner," as it is called, was used by 
Captain Markoe, of the Philadelphia Light Horse Troop. 
It had a canton of thirteen stripes red and white, white 
field with device and motto, "For This .We Strive." This 
Light Horse Troop adopted the Liberty Cap in 1775. 
They served as an escort to General Washington from 
Philadelphia to New York in 1775. 

FLAG OF MORGAN'S RIFLE CORPS (New Jersey). 

When the War of the Revolution broke out, Daniel 
Morgan, a native of New Jersey, joined the army under 
Washington at Cambridge and commanded a corps of 
riflemen, which adopted a flag, with name of corps and 
regiment. He accompanied Arnold to Quebec and was 
made a prisoner there, After his exchange he was ap- 
pointed to the command of the Eleventh Virginia Regi- 
ment, in which was incorporated his rifle corps. 



[22] 

RHODE ISLAND (Hope Flag). 

Rhode Island was the only colony to really, distin- 
guish itself by designing an original flag. It was called 
the "Hope Flag" and first introduced the stars, thirteen 
in a blue union, white field with blue anchor. 

CULPEPER FLAG (Virginia). 

Patrick Henry, appointed by the Virginia Convention, 
July 18th, 1775, summoned corps of volunteers from 
various parts of the colony. One-third were Culpeper 
men, who adopted a flag, white field with the significant 
device of a coiled rattlesnake. They dressed in green 
hunting shirts with Henry's words of "Liberty or Death" 
in large white letters on their bosoms. 

SOUTH CAROLINA PALMETTO FLAG. 

South Carolina had three flags, one, known as the 
"Palmetto Flag," had a serpent coiled at the base of a 
palmetto tree. 

The best known of the three is that known as "Colo- 
nel Moultrie's Flag," used in the defence of Fort Sulli- 
van, now Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan's Island, in Charles- 



[*3l 

town Harbor. Colonel, afterwards General Moultrie, in 
his memoirs says : "As there was no national flag at the 
time, 1775,J was desired by the Council of Safety, Sep- 
tember 13th, to have one made, upon which, as the troops 
(South Carolina) were clothed in blue, and the fort was 
garrisoned by the first and second regiments, who wore a 
silver crescent in the front of their caps. 

COL. MOULTRIE'S FLAG. 

I had a large blue flag made with a crescent in the 
dexter comer to be in uniform with the troops." It bore 
the word "Liberty" in white letters. 

This was the first American Flag displayed in the 
South. 

On June 30th, 1776, three days after the battle of 
Fort Moultrie, Mrs. Susanna Elliott presented Col. Moul- 
trie's Regiment (Second South Carolina) with a pair of 
elegant colors. One of them was of fine blue silk, the 
other red, richly embroidered. 

DEATH OF SERGEANT JASPER. 

During the siege of Savannah, October 9th, 1779, 
seeing his associates, who had rescued the colors, fall, 



[2 4 ] 

Sergeant Jasper sprang forward, secured them and had 
just fastened them upon the parapet when he fell, pierced 
by a rifle ball. He expired soon afterwards. Just before 
he died he said to Major Horry, "Tell Mrs. Elliott I lost 
my life supporting the colors she presented to our regi- 
ment.' ' Surely this is a message from the flag to the 
women of the country. 

SERPENT FLAG (South Carolina). 

The "Serpent Flag" of South Carolina had thirteen 
stripes, alternate blue and red, a rattlesnake and motto, 
"Don't Tread on Me." It will be observed from the 
constant use of thirteen stripes in the flags and thirteen 
stars in the Rhode Island Flag, the full number of colonies 
were always included. 

NEW ENGLAND PINE TREE. 

The New England Pine Tree Flag differed from the 
Massachusetts Flag adopted as a Naval Flag, mentioned 
later. It had a red field, the Pine Tree occupied the 
entire union, which was white. 



[25 1 

LIBERTY TREE FLAG. 

'The Liberty Tree Flag" was the outcome of the 
many meetings held under the "Liberty Tree" by an 
association called the Sons of Liberty during the summer 
of 1765. It was the rallying place of the patriots from 
1774 on. Was inscribed the "Liberty Tree," and the 
Hag, a white field with blue border, showing the tree, was 
used by the men of Boston. 

FLAG OF THE CONTINENTAL NAVY (Yellow, coiled 
snake) . 
The usual motto, "Don't Tread On Me," appears 
on a flag with yellow field and coiled rattlesnake, which 
was originally designed and presented by Col. Christo- 
pher Gadsden, of South Carolina, a member of the Ma- 
rine Committee, to Congress on February 8th, 1776, as 
a standard "to be used by the Commander-in-Chief of 
the American Navy." Commodore Esek Hopkins held 
this rank in the Navy and is said to be the first naval com- 
mander to use it. 

THE RATTLESNAKE FLAG. 

The famous "Rattlesnake Flag" consisted of thirteen 



[26] 

red and white stripes with the motto "Don't Tread On 
Me," and a snake stretched from corner to corner. It 
was used by different organizations of the American Army 
during the Revolution, but particularly by the vessels 
of the American Navy as early as 1775. It has been 
called the "Paul Jones Flag" and was displayed with 
the Pine Tree Naval Flag. It was the first ensign ever 
shown by a regular American man-of-war, and was raised 
on board the Alfred in the Delaware, December, 1775, 
by the hands of John Paul Jones, Esek Hopkins's First 
Lieutenant. 

While the colonists were gathering under these stan- 
dards, on April 22d the Provincial Congress of Massa- 
chusetts had been summoned, an account of affairs drawn 
up and sent to England, with the declaration that tyran- 
nical rule would no longer be submitted to. June 15, 
1775, the Continental Congress at Philadelphia unani- 
mously appointed George Washington, of Virginia, to be 
General and Commander-in-Chief of the armies raised 
for the maintenance of American Liberty. Before Wash- 
ington could reach his army the Battle of Bunker Hill 
had been fought and the siege of Boston begun. The 



[2?] 

first redoubt over which a flag floated was on Breed's 
Hill, June 17th, 1775. It was called the New England 
Flag. It is now known as the "Bunker Hill Flag." It 
had a blue field, the union the flag of 1686, with a pine 
tree in place of the sphere of 1735. 

NEW ENGLAND FLAG (Bunker Hill Flag). 

It bore an invitation to the British Army to "Come 
On If You Dare." The invitation was accepted and the 
War for Independence was formally begun. 

BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 

The story of the battle is too well known to be re- 
peated. The flag displayed on Bunker Hill was undoubt- 
edly blue. It has been described as red. The confusion 
probably arose from the fact that while Putnam com- 
manded on Prospect Hill, a crimson flag bearing on one 
side the motto "Appeal to Heaven," on the other "Qui 
Transtulit Sustinet"— "He who transplanted will sustain 
us"— was presented him and unfurled on the 18th of 
July ensuing. 



[28 



ELM WHERE WASHINGTON TOOK COMMAND 
OF HIS TROOPS. 

Under the elm known as the Washington Elm, Cam- 
bridge, Mass., on the 4th of July, Washington's commis- 
sion was read in the presence of a detachment of the army 
and the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts when he 
took command. 

These events prepared the way for united action ; 
therefore, in this year the first record of a desire for some 
settled form of naval standard is found, "that our vessels 
may know each other/' General Washington was ap- 
pealed to and he, with two officers about to command 
cruisers, in October, 1775, selected the "Pine Tree Flag/' 
a white field with a pine tree in the center and the motto 
"An Appeal to Heaven." 

PINE TREE NAVAL FLAG. 

It was used from 1775 to 1787. Colonel Joseph 
Reed, military secretary to General Washington, is said 
to have suggested its use. According to a portrait of 
Esek Hopkins, published in London in 1776, the words 
"Liberty Tree" were at the top, and at the bottom "Ap- 



[2 9 ] 

peal to God." In the request for the naval flag was 
heard the first call for union. The colonies, as stated, had 
colors or banners. Now the army needed a visible sign. 
"The Flag of the Union" was the result, and is known 
as the "Cambridge Flag." 

CAMBRIDGE FLAG. 

The first flag of the "United Colonies" was flung 
to the breeze before General Washington's headquarters 
at Cambridge, January 1st, 1776, a brief glance at its 
history tells us. 

WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS AT CAM-" 
BRIDGE (Flag). 
In the latter part of 1775 Dr. Franklin, with Messrs. 
Lynch and Harrison, were appointed to consider the sub- 
ject of a National Flag. England was still the acknowl- 
edged sovereign, but the thirteen colonies intended to 
unite to defend their rights, therefore the King's Colors, 
or "Union Jack" (1709), was united with the thirteen 
alternate red and white "rebellious stripes," as England 
called them, representing the colonies. John Paul Jones 



[30] 

was the first naval officer to display this flag of America. 
He hoisted it with his own hands on his vessel, the Alfred. 
A flag of peculiar interest came into existence about 
this time, and was called the "Banner of Washington Life 
Guards." It had a white field with device and motto 
"Conquer or Die." 

BANNER OF THE WASHINGTON LIFE GUARDS. 

The Guard was a corps of superior men attached jto 
the person of the Commander-in-Chief. All the States 
which supplied troops to the Continental Army were rep- 
resented. It was organized in 1776 while the American 
Army was encamped on Manhattan Island, near New 
York City. The uniform was a blue coat with white 
facings, white waistcoat and breeches, black half gaiters, 
a cocked hat with white and blue feather and sword and 
cross belt. 

During the winter, 1779-80, the Guard was increased 
to 250. It was reduced soon after to its original number, 
180. On December 23d, 1783, it was mustered out of 
service on Constitution Island, opposite West Point, New 
York. 



[3i] 

Before recounting the next important step in our 
history, the Declaration of American Independence, brief 
mention must be made of one or two important events. 

CARPENTER'S HALL (Philadelphia). 

On Monday, September 5, 1774, fifty-four delegates, 
from twelve colonies, assembled in Carpenter's Hall. 
Patrick Henry made the first speech in this first Ameri- 
can Congress, where a Declaration of ColoniaJ Rights 
was adopted, which formed the basis of an American 
Association. 

A Declaration of Independence, formulated at Char- 
lotte, capital of Mecklenberg County, North Carolina, 
antedated our famous "Declaration" by a year. A con- 
vention of patriots assembled at Charlotte May 3 1st, 
1775, and by a series of resolutions virtually declared 
themselves independent of the British Crown. 

SIGNING OF THE "DECLARATION OF INDE- 
PENDENCE/' 
In signing the Declaration of Independence the 
United States of America became a nation July 4th, 1776. 



[32] 



The thirteen original States are: 

New Hampshire, 
Massachusetts, 
Rhode Island, 
Connecticut, 
New York, 
New Jersey, 

Georgia. 



Pennsylvania, 
Delaware, 
Maryland, 
Virginia, 
North Carolina, 
South Carolina, 



It was signed in Independence Hall, Philadelphia. 



INDEPENDENCE HALL. 

"This is the hallowed spot where first unfurling 
Fair Freedom spread her blazing scroll of light, 

Here from oppression's throne the tyrant hurling, 
She stood supreme in majesty and might. 

"Here stood the Patriot, one union folding 
The Eastern, Northern, Southern sage and seer, 

Within that living bond which, truth upholding, 
Proclaims each man his fellow's peer. 

"Here rose the anthem which all nations hearing, 
In loud response the echoes backward hurled; 

Reverberating still the ceaseless cheering, 
Our continent repeats it to the world." 

— George W. Dewey. 



[331 

Independence Hall is cherished by the people of 
Pennsylvania and by the people of the whole Union as 
the most revered relic of the war for independence, be- 
cause it contains the hall where that Declaration of Inde- 
pendence was discussed, adopted in council, signed and 
sent forth to the world. 

An old legend tells us "A new star is born for each 
new life, and a star falls for a life departed." 

SPIRIT OF LIBERTY. 

The spirit of liberty drew aside the curtain of night 
and the symbols of a new life appeared in a constellation 
— each star a sparkling gem, resting on the everlasting 
blue, the symbol of loyalty, sincerity and love; the red 
of the old time daring and valor united with the white 
light of truth, purity of purpose and thought — and the 
new nation, uplifted by visions of the future, sent a new 
ensign aloft. 

FIRST AMERICAN FLAG. 

Its birthday was June 14th, 1777. Every year that 
rolls by sees that birthday more universally observed, the 



[34] 

realization of its importance more generally felt and more 
reverence shown. May the time come when every Amer- 
ican citizen will feel a pride in displaying our national 
emblem on Flag Day. 

The history of the making of the first flag will not 
be out of place here, though probably known to most of 
us. General Washington accompanied by Robert Morris 
and Colonel Ross, called upon Mrs. John Ross. 

MRS. JOHN ROSS '(Mrs. Betsy). 

She was a widow who kept an upholsterer's shop at 
239 Arch street, Philadelphia. 

She was engaged to make a flag from a pencil draw- 
ing modified for her by General Washington. She sug- 
gested changing the star from the English rule of six 
points to that of the French five points. The change 
was made, and our first official flag was made — the basis 
of our present flag, of which Henry Ward Beecher said : 

"It is a whole national history. It is the constitution. 
It is the government. It is the free people that stand in 



[35] 



the government on the constitution. It expresses Divine 
right of liberty in man." 

SITE OF FORT STANWIX (Rome, N. Y.). 

At Fort Stanwix, Rome, New York, between August 
3d and 6th, 1777, the Stars and Stripes were first un- 
furled in battle in Willett's famous sortie. The flag is de- 
scribed in Willett's narrative as "being made from white 
ammunition shirts for the white stripes, from a camlet 
cloak from the enemy at Peekskill for the blue, and from 
different pieces of stuff procured from one and another 
of the garrison for red stripes." 

The site has been recently carefully surveyed and 
marked by cannon placed near the four bastions. Bronze 
tablets, placed there by the descendants of many of the 
heroes of Oriskany, mark the gun carriages. 

From the shop and the farm and the forum, 

From the cabin, the cot and the hall, 
From the emigrant's camp in the forest, 

They mustered at Liberty's call. 

Gave, unstinting, their blood and their treasure 
For manhood, and justice, and right, 

Undismayed amid darkness and treason, 
Fighting on into freedom and light. 



[36] 



And here, on the site of Fort Stanwix, 
Where "Old Glory" was first unfurled, 

Is the vow of their "Daughters' " devotion 
To the bonniest flag of the world. 

—Fort Stanwix D. A. R. 



RAISING FLAG IN THE NORTWESTERN PART OF 
NEW YORK STATE. 

As soon as the flags could be made or purchased, the 
towns raised them with fitting ceremonies. A painting 
of a flag-raising in the northwestern part of New York 
State is in the "Flower" mansion at Watertown, N. Y. 

MONUMENT AT COOCH'S BRIDGE, DELAWARE. 
It seems well established that the Stars and Stripes 
were carried at the Battle of the Brandywine, September 
11th, 1777. The claim that it was first unfurled at the 
affair of Cooch's Bridge in Delaware, September 3d, has 
been commemorated by a monument. 

HEADQUARTERS AT VALLEY FORGE. 

During the winter of 1777, General Washington es- 



[371 



tablished headquarters at Valley Forge. The sufferings of 
that band of patriots will never be fully known. That 
through it all they remained true to their flag and country 
is for us to remember. 

FIGHT BETWEEN THE BON HOMME RICHARD 
AND THE SERAPIS . 

September 22d, 1778, occurred the Battle between 
the Bon Homme Richard, Captain John Paul Jones, com- 
manding, and the Serapis, Captain Pearson in command. 
It is the spirit displayed by John Paul Jones that makes 
it a part of the history of the flag. When asked by 
Captain Pearson if he struck his colors, he answered, "I 
have not begun to fight.' ' A few hours after Pearson 
struck his colors with his own hands. The Spirit of the 
Flag's true message spoke and led to victory. 

It was first saluted by a foreign power at Quiberon 
Bay, France. The ship "Ranger" bearing the Stars and 
Stripes, commanded by Captain John Paul Jones, ar- 
rived at a French port, February 14th, 1778, and received 
from Admiral La Motte, who represented the French Gov- 
ernment, the first salute ever paid the flag by foreign 
naval vessels. 



[38] 

OWMlfflHTOIIIIIIIIIIfl IB III »iHIMfiy«fUM«iflli^^ 

JOHN PAUL JONES. 

For years the last resting place of this hero who 
so many times carried the flag to victory remained un- 
known. To Gen. Horace Porter belongs the honor of 
discovering the burial place and to Rear Admiral Sigsbee 
the honor of bringing to this country the casket contain- 
ing the remains. 

FLAG SENT BY D. A. R. 

It was the tender thought of Mrs. Donald McLean, 
President General of the National Society Daughters of 
the American Revolution, that sent the flag from women 
to cover the casket with the colors he so many times 
sent aloft. 

CASKET AS CARRIED ON BOARD. 

Covered with the Flag and flowers, the casket was 
carried on board the Brooklyn, Rear Admiral Sigsbee 
commanding, July 6th, 1905. 

CASKET AS IT MADE THE JOURNEY. 

Covered with the flag it made the journey from 
Cherbourg to this country. It was transferred to the 
Naval Academy, Annapolis, July 24th, 1905. 



39] 



The flag has been returned to the Society D. A. R., 
where it will be cared for as a priceless treasure. 

Principal events only can receive brief mention. The 
first American Flag is mentioned as used in celebrating 
the first anniversary of American Independence, July 4th, 
at Philadelphia, and at Charleston, South Carolina. The 
Evacuation of Boston, March 17th, 1776, was the be- 
ginning of the end. The end was the complete surrender 
at Yorktown. 

SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN. 

There to the tune of "Yankee Doodle" the American 
troops drew up in line to receive the colors from the 
British Captains in command of twenty-eight regiments. 
"Let the enslaved/' who are now free, "rejoice with 
thanksgiving," as the standards are handed to Ensign 
Wilson, eighteen years of age, the youngest commis- 
sioned officer in the army, who received them from the 
British officers, and handed them to the American ser- 
geants. 

FLAG OF SEVENTH REGIMENT, BRITISH. 

The most beautiful of the surrendered flags was the 



[40] 

Flag of the 7th Regiment, British. On the garter it 
bears a French motto, which translated reads: "Evil to 
him who evil thinks." From 1776 until 1791 the same 
American flag served. Then a new star claimed recog- 
nition. March, 1791, Vermont was admitted. Kentucky, 
June, 1792. In consequence a bill was framed to alter 
the flag. This bill was approved January 13th, 1794. 
As "an act making alteration in the flag of the United 
States," it provided that after May 1st, 1795, the flag of 
the United States be fifteen stripes, alternate red and 
white, and the union be fifteen stars, white in a blue field. 

FIRST FLAG OF AMERICAN EXPANSION. 

This first flag of American expansion was used in 
the War of 1812, and until April 13th, 1818. A few of 
the flags of this period had the stars arranged so as to 
form one large star. 

FRANCIS SCOTT KEY. 

To Francis Scott Key, a Maryland lawyer, we owe 
the inspired words of the "Star Spangled Banner." Held 
all night in a Flag of Truce vessel, he watched the bom- 



[41] 

bardment of Fort McHenry, September 13th, 1814. On 
the morning of the 14th the words were written. 

FORT McHENRY. 

In his joy on seeing the flag of his country safe, he 
described the scene as he actually saw it. The flag that 
Key saw on Fort McHenry had "broad stripes," forty 
feet long. The "bright" stars were each two feet from 
point to point. 

KEY'S GRAVE. 

In a modest grave the man whose memory is en- 
shrined in the hearts of American people was laid. A 
simple stone his only monument, until the Key Associa- 
tion was incorporated, August, 1894, in order to erect 
a suitable memorial. 

KEY'S MONUMENT. 

On August 9th, 1898, was unveiled a fitting monu- 
ment to the writer of the greatest American anthem. One 
of the most beautiful tributes to his memory was paid by 



[42] 

a distinguished woman, who was born in Frederick — 



KEY'S MONUMENT, SEAL OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
'The Key Monument Association" adopted a seal, 
and through its exertions an enduring tribute was reared. 
If the patriotic emotion prompting the words of our 
National anthem could find a responsive chord in the 
heart of every American citizen to-day, there would be 
a universal flag law, needing no act of Congress to en- 
force it. The law of love, reverence and respect would 
guard it night and day, reaching from the Aleutian 
Islands (part of Alaska), where, guarding our possessions 
far westward, it is seen "at the twilight's last gleaming," 
and at the same time at Eastport, Maine, "it catches the 
gleam of the morning's first beam." Our flag on which 
the sun never sets! 

CAPTAIN JAMES LAWRENCE. 

The words of Captain James Lawrence, "don't give 
up the ship," as he fell mortally wounded, have awakened 
renewed interest in this naval fight of 1812— as through 



U3] 



the press it has been announced a fragment of the flag 
from the Chesapeake, captured by the British in 1813, 
is to be sold. 

FLAG OF THE CHESAPEAKE. 

The relic seems authentic enough to be quoted in 
connection with this history, and the sincere hope ex- 
pressed, it may be returned to this country. 

The flag of 1812, though made famous, could not 
remain unchanged in the rapidly growing nation. Again 
new states claimed their birthright; Tennessee, 1796; 
Ohio, 1802; Louisiana, 1816, and Mississippi, 1817. A 
law was enacted principally through the exertion of the 
Hon. Peter Wendover, of New York. 

Congress ruled to return to the thirteen stripes rep- 
resenting the original states under whose valor American 
Independence was gained, and that "every state admitted 
to the Union shall be represented by a star in the union 
of the flag." 

FLAG OF MARCH 24TH, 1818. 

On April 4th, 1818, when the new law went into 



U4] 

effect, our present flag was established with twenty stars in 
the Union. The new flag was hoisted over the House of 
Representatives, April 13th, 1818, though the law pro- 
vided that the act was not to take effect until July 4th. 
This law, providing for the addition of a new star on the 
Fourth of July next succeeding the admission of a new 
State, is yet in force. 

Once more the hands of women carried out the de- 
sign, arid the flag was made in New York City by Mrs. 
S. C. Reid, assisted by other ladies, under the direction 
of her husband, Captain Reid, who was commander of 
the privateer, General Armstrong. The present author- 
ized arrangement of the stars in the union was finally 
settled by an order of President Monroe through the 
Navy Board, dated September lSth, 1818. 

THE REVENUE FLAG. 

March 2nd, 1799, an act of Congress created the 
Revenue Flag. It consisted of sixteen stripes, representing 
the number of states admitted to the Union — the union 
of the ensign bearing the arms of the United States in 
dark blue on a white field. No change has been made 
since. 



[45] 

OUR FLAG GOES BY. 

Our Flag goes by. 

Hats off! 
Along the street there comes 
A blare of bugles a ruffle of drums, 
A flash of color beneath. the sky; 

Hats off! 
The flag is passing by. 

Blue and crimson and white it shines, 
Over the steel tipped ordered lines, 

Hats off! 
The colors before us fly; 
But more than the flag is passing by. 

Sea fights and land fights, grim and great, 
Fought to make and to save the State ; 
Weary marches and sinking ships; 
Cheers of victory on dying lips. 

Days of plenty and days of peace; 
March of a strong land's swift increase; 
Equal justice, right and law; 
Stately honor and reverent awe; 



[46] 



Sign of a nation, great and strong, 
To ward her people from foreign wrong; 
Pride, and glory, and honor, all 
Live in the colors, to stand or fall — 

Hats off! 
Along the street here comes 
A blare of trumpets, a ruffle of drums; 
And loyal hearts are beating high — 

Hats off! 
The flag is passing by. 

— H. H. Bennett. 



The first flag made of American bunting was raised 
over the capitol at Washington, February 24th, 1866. 
It was the gift of Hon. Benjamin F. Butler, of Massa- 
chusetts. Many times hearts have thrilled at the sight of 
"Old Glory," as it was lovingly called by Stephen Driver, 
of Massachusetts. As a sea captain he made a solemn 
vow to defend "Old Glory," if need be with his life. 
The first State to add a star after the act of April 4th, 
1818, was Illinois, in December of that year. 

Twenty-four stars have been added since then — not 



[47] 

one star has ever fallen from its place. 1908 will see the 
forty-sixth star placed. 

SEWING THE FORTY-SIXTH STAR ON THE FLAG. 

If represents the State of Oklahoma (embracing 
Oklahoma and Indian Territories) which entered the 
Union as a State on November 15th, 1907. Oklahoma 
is a Comanche Indian word, signifying the "land of the 
fair god." May this star as it is placed keep fair the name 
which is its birthright. With the birth of this State 
another chapter closes in the history of the "red brother." 
The Indian has no longer a claim to the soil, so long 
known as the "Indian Territories." 

LAST OF THE MOHEGANS. 

There is almost a look of pathos on the face of this 
mighty chief, a type of the race once sovereign in this 
country. What would be his thoughts could he behold 
the present chief in the costume of civilization ? 

INDIAN CHIEF OF PRESENT. 

How is this new chapter to end ? The wards of the 
nation for the good of the nation are passing on. 



[48] 

The flag means progress. In our early history the 
struggle with foreign oppression, and the cruelty of savage 
warfare, went hand in hand. The price of peace is war 
against bondage and inhumanity. 

Liberty ever the watchword, controlled by the motto 
"right makes might," passed on from generation to genera- 
tion, has three times made the United States one of the 
combatants in war. 

With England 1812-15 — principally a naval conflict, 
before alluded to. Many British vessels were captured. 
Not once was our flag lowered in surrender. 

With Mexico, 1846-48 — a new State," Texas, asked 
for her star in the Union, though practically free. Mex- 
ico considered the granting of the request a declaration 
of war. The United States acquired at the close Cali- 
fornia and New Mexico. 

THE CUBAN FLAG (Own). 

Our latest interference, nine years ago, was to re- 
lieve the oppressed people who fought under the Cuban 
Flag against Spanish oppression. 

On April 21st, 1898, Secretary Long, United States 



[49] 

Navy, cabled to Admiral Dewey, in command of the Pa- 
cific Squadron, to capture or destroy the fleet in the har- 
bor of Manila. Under the Stars and Stripes the order was 
obeyed. 

PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT AS LIEUTENANT- 
COLONEL. 

Our President has been associated in the minds of 
the people as Lieut.-Col. of the "Rough Riders." It is 
particularly pleasing to note his photograph, as Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel, was autographed for this particular history. 
With Col. Wood he led the "Rough Riders" at La Guasi- 
mas, Friday, June 24th. 

July 3rd, the investing 5th Army Corps raised above 
its trenches the National and Regimental Colors. July 
17th, at Santiago at 12 o'clock noon, the Spanish colors 
were lowered in surrender to our flag. October 18th, 
1898, our flag was raised on the Palace at Ponce, Porto 
Rico. 

The suffering of the troops before and after the 
war are too recent to need more than brief mention. 
Women all over the country came to the rescue. Who 



[So] 

shall tell of the hundreds of lives sacrificed, that justice 
and humanity might prevail? 

The horrors of warfare roused the nation and again 
sounded the call for peace, and it is believed a new flag, 
the "Peace Flag," has found a permanent place. 

PEACE FLAG. 

A brief history of the Peace movement is here given. 

In Independence Hall, Philadelphia, October 12th, 
1891, 399 years after the discovery of America — a meeting 
of representatives from the Pan-American Republics was 
held, to consider a plan by which peace for all nations 
might be secured. Mrs. Gillespie, a granddaughter of 
Benjamin Franklin, wished to interest the women of the 
counry in forming "The United States of the World." 

Mr. McDowell, who was interested in the Society of 
the Daughters of the American Revolution, suggested the 
women should create some sign of peace. 

Mr. Henry Petit, an artist, was asked to make a de- 
sign for an international emblem of peace. In present- 
ing his report, he alluded to the love each country had for 
its own colors, therefore proposed each nation should use 



[5i] 



its own colors, surrounded by a white border. The idea 
was immediately accepted. 

The first Peace Flag made was by the Women's Silk 
Weavers' Society of Philadelphia, who selected co- 
coons, reared them, spun and dyed the silk, and made the 
flag, the Union had thirteen gilt stars, as in the Betsy 
Ross flag. 

Two of the largest flags were of bunting, and were 
gifts from the American Lyceum, paid for by collections 
made by the "Youth's Companion," of Boston. 

One of these flags, at Navesink, received all the 
navies of the world. It was first saluted under command 
of Captain Schley. 

The second flag went to the Columbian Exposition, 
Chicago. It remained on its staff until blown to atoms. 

Flags from the United States and Great Britain have 
been given to the permanent court of arbitration at The 
Hague. 

One to the Parliament of England, one to the Parlia- 
ment of Holland. 

PRESENTATION OF HOLLAND PEACE FLAG. 

It was used this year, 1908, to open Parliament, by 
the Queen of Holland. 



[52] 

One presented to the American Congress; one to 
Baron de Constans, of the French Senate; one is in the 
hands of the United States Congress, for presentation to 
Germany. 

Two flags were given by Miss Rachel Higgens, of An- 
sonia, in the name of the children of America to Miss 
Marguerite de Constans. 

CHILD WITH FLAG. 

Mary E. Wilkins (Mrs. Freeman), the writer, has, 
through her conception of the mind of a child, sent on 
its way through quaint little Rebecca, this message of 
peace from our stars. To the boys of the nation it is 
given as a trust to carry on : 

"For it's your star, my star, all the stars together, 
That makes our country's flag so proud 

To float in the bright fall weather. 
Northern stars, Southern stars, .stars of the East and 
West, 

Side by side they lie at peace, 
On the dear flag's mother's breast." 



[S3] 

Captain Richmond Pearson Hobson, in a message 
from the Peace Congress in New York to the Daughters 
of the American Revolution, April, 1907, speaking of our 
flag, said: "I know that ever}' one here before me 
agrees and will teach others, and they will teach genera- 
tions to come, that while Americans live, they will 
never allow any flag under heaven made by the hand of 
man to go above our Stars and Stripes as long as they con- 
tinue to wave for human liberty * * * My Countrywom- 
en, all the color in that flag, rich and warm, stands for 
sympathy with the oppressed and suffering sons of men 
over all the earth. And the stars — have you ever looked 
at them closely? I sometimes wish that every American 
could see those stars when the smoke and thunder are 
in the air, or perhaps could see them in a foreign land. 
They glitter, they sparkle, they twinkle, as if they knew 
that the glorious constellation they form has been set 
by God Himself in the very vault of the firmament to 
lighten the night of the darkened world.' ' 

At the conclusion of Captain Hobson's address, the 
President-General, Mrs. McLean, appointed a committee 
to present a copy of resolutions to the Peace Congress 



[54] 

assembled in New York City; also to present Mr. Andrew 
Carnegie with the Great Peace Flag. 

PEACE FLAG WITH RESOLUTIONS. 

The address of Captain Hobson was made and the 
resolutions adopted in Continental Memorial Hall, Wash- 
ington, D. C. This building had been offered by the 
President-General for the use of the Peace Envoys from 
Russia and Japan. 

Just recently a change in the present flag has been 
urged. If such a change is necessary, may the order of 
the stars be left unchanged and the white border added 
and the "Peace Flag" be the new flag of the nation, sent 
on its mission by the efforts of women. Gen. George 
Washington saw the first flag as a vision, and in its real- 
ization our Nation stands for Peace. 

PEACE ALLEGORY. 

The angel of peace stands ready to sound the deep- 
toned note of Concord to be heard around the world, 
and thus through the work of women the "bow of prom- 
ise" seen in the skies may find its fulfillment in "Peace 
for all Nations." 



[55 1 

Sometime previous to the resolutions alluded to, the 
New York City Chapter, D. A. R., had presented Dr. 
Maxwell for the Department of Education with Peace 
Flags, which are on exhibition in the Department. 

These facts serve to show the interest of this body 
of women in the movement for peace. 

From Hampton Roads — on its voyage of discovery 
in the interests of peace — sailed on December 12th, 1907, 
sixteen battleships under the command of Admiral Evans. 

FLEET UNDER SAIL. 

To the women is left the sacred charge of keeping 
the names of the absent ones in loving memory. Mothers 
will trace for their children the course of the fleet until — 

HOMEWARD BOUND. 

Homeward bound is flashed along the line, and lov- 
ing women see the vision of their loved ones as in a look- 
ing glass. 

Thirty-one States and three Territories have a "flag 
law," making it a misdemeanor, punishable by fine or 
imprisonment, or both, to place any picture or inscrip- 



[56] 

tion on the flag of the country. There is a bill before 
Congress to make a law to that effect. Look up to your 
country's flag — remember the poor wounded soldier who 
held the staff between his teeth and the folds of his flag 
in one hand above his head, while he crawled to shelter 
dragging his wounded limb after him. When rescued, 
he looked at the surgeon as he sank into unconsciousness 
and said : "I have but done my duty. The old flag never 
touched the ground." Do your best for your 'own star, 
each and every one, and 
"The star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave 
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave." 
The descendents of the first colonists welcomed to 
these shores all desiring the privilege of freedom. Col- 
onists from practically every country have found pro- 
tection under the American flag. Under these circum- 
stances it has become a necessity to teach the principles 
which it represents — loyalty to, and respect for, it can 
only come with this knowledge. 

MRS. DONALD McLEAN. 

To Mrs. Donald McLean, the coming generation will 



[571 

owe much of this knowledge. Born in the old ancestral 
home at Frederick, Maryland, love of flag and country 
were hers by birthright. 

BIRTHPLACE. 

When it seemed necessary for the women to unite 
to teach patriotism, she entered as a charter member the 
National Society of the Daughters of the American Revo- 
lution, of which she is now the President General. Her 
special work has been, and is, the inculcation 06 American 
principles, adjuring the women of the country to carry 
on the message from the Flag. 

From hundred^ of places visited, where addresses 
have been made, for the purpose in mind, the most public 
occasions, where illustrations have been obtainable, have 
been selected. The quotations from addresses are in Mrs. 
McLean's own words. 

From Charlestown, South Carolina, where the "Flag 
of Eutaw Springs" is cherished, she brings a message to 
the young girls and women. 



[5«] 

FLAG OF EUTAW SPRINGS. 

A young hero of the American Revolution was called 
on to protect his country. It was only his country — he 
had no flag. A young Southern girl tore a piece of red 
brocade from the back of a chair, crushed it into his 
arms, and said; "Raise this upon your flagstaff, and caryy 
it into the battle as the heart's blood of the women of 
your country back of you." The Battle of Eutaw Springs 
was one of the most desperate. The hero has passed on. 
That flag, the gift of a woman, has been preserved, and 
I say to you for his sake, and for the sake of all the 
men who upheld and protected flags made by women's 
hands, that you uphold the hands of the men who are 
worthy in turn to uphold the flag. 

From the Music Hall, Flag Day, June 14th, 1901, 
the flag encouraged the men and women to live for it, 
and die for it if need be. And here, while the flag was 
floating in his honor, September 8th, 1901, President 
McKinley laid down his life. 

Six years passed — then the message to return to pay 
a tribute to this martyr President was received. 



[59] 

Mckinley monument, buffalo, n. y. 

On September 6th, 1907, in the presence of a vast 
multitude, as the flag glided slowly downward, Mrs. Mc- 
Lean closed her eloquent address with these words: "Re- 
member not only the heroes who made you a nation, but 
him who helped nobly to preserve it. 

Come, women of all lands and climes, bring here the 
constant tribute of devoted and hallowed memory of the 
man who made of marriage in his high, pure love — his 
holy grail. 

Rise, soating shaft, in monolithic beauty, in gleaming 
whiteness, in ever-ascending aspiration, and may per- 
perpetual light shine upon you." 

The flag used is one of the largest ever made, and 
as it was made for this particular purpose, has been chris- 
tened the "McKinley Flag" — adding one more historical 
flag to the group. 

In Washington, our National Capitol, a tribute to all 
the heroic deeds of the men, women and children of the 
thirteen original States, is being erected. It is named 
"Continental Memorial Hall." 



[6o] 



CONTINENTAL MEMORIAL HALL. 

From each State where a descendant is located is 
sent the quota to represent its interests. When com- 
pleted, an exact copy of the flag made by Betsy Ross 
will float from the staff. It is to be the gift of the Betsy 
Ross Chapter of Pennsylvania. 

"O, Blessed Flag! Sign of our precious past, 
Triumphant present, and our future vast, 
Beyond starred blue and bars of sunset bright, 
Lead us to higher realms of equal right ! 
Float on, in every allegory, 
Kin to the eagle and wind and light — 
Our hallowed, eloquent, beloved "Old Glory!" 

Selected. 



/ 



APR 14 5908 



6 



027 211 252 






